Annabelle Porter

Professor Amy Lewis

MUED 206

26 September 2019

Annotated Bibliography

Sound Innovators for Concert Band

The objective of this method book is to teach beginning music theory through

introduction of Western notation as well as kinesthetic learning. Benefits of these method books

would include a fun introduction to the instrument, encouragement, and “play along” discs.

Limitations that these method books bring forth includes no suggested lesson plan or time frame

as to how the student should progress, no focus on breath support or embouchure.

Band Blast

Band Blast is an iOS mobile software app that focuses on rhythm reading and pitch playing using

interactive games and instructional videos. The app encompasses violin, flute, cello, tenor sax,

alto sax, viola, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, guitar, and double bass at a beginning band or

orchestra level. The use of this app in a classroom setting could be counterproductive as some

instruments found in a beginning orchestra or band ensemble are missing, including percussion,

oboe, etc. A benefit of using the app in the classroom allows the students to record themselves

for out of class practicing and for homework assignments.

Chord Bot

An app featuring chord progressions, Chord Bot can be used in many band or orchestral settings.

The app allows the user to play simple, intermediate, or advanced chord progressions while

practicing improvisation, fundamentals, or possibly repertoire.

Do It!

Do It, by James O. Froseth, is a beginning methods book that introduces trumpet. It well explains

and shows (through use of picture) proper techniques including embouchure, posture, and hand

positioning while holding the instrument. A disadvantage of this method book would be the lack

of feedback from a teacher, but the book does stress the importance of music theory.

Accent on Achievement

Accent on Achievement encourages creativity and musicianship with beginning trumpet

instrumentalists. This method book stresses music theory, allows the student to move at their

own pace, and introduces repertoire early on. The book does not, however, provide a fingering

chart for the instrumentalist to refer to.

Music Prodigy

Music Prodigy is an iOS app that audio records student’s practice sessions while simultaneously

assessing the musician’s accuracy with rhythm and pitches. This can be used for assigned
homework, or for at home accuracy checking with assigned repertoire. Though the app provides

instance pitch and rhythm accuracy, it is not assessing technique embouchure, toungeing, etc.

Standard of Excellence

This method book series, written by Bruce Pearson, provides the beginning student materials for

trumpet that can be taken at a gradual pace while focusing on music theory. Fundamentals, music

theory (with emphasis on treble clef), and practicing are valued with this book. Though there are

many helpful hints provided throughout the method book, you cannot get personal or live

feedback from a book.

Tradition of Excellence

Tradition of Excellence is a method book series that (each book) focuses on learning a specific

instrument as a beginning musician. An asset of this method book would include written and

visual aids regarding the assembling of the instrument and critical questions. Critical questions

would include “Did you slur?” A setback with this book would be the limiting of creativity as it

does not leave much room for improvisation.

 Citations

Boonshaft, P. (2016). Sound innovations for concert band: ensemble development for young

concert band - baritone ... saxophone. Place of publication not identified: Alfred Pub Co.

BTS Design Group, Inc. Band Blast (version3.09) [Mobile Application Software] Retrieved from

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bandblast-the-music-education-revolution/id955912054

Contrasonic AB. (2011). Chordbot (version 3.0.5) [Mobile Software Application] Retreived from

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/chordbot/id394754767

Froseth, J. O., Good, K., Libs, J. M., Wilder, M., & Weaver, M. A. (1997). Do it!: Play trumpet:

A world of musical enjoyment at your fingertips. Chicago: GIA Publications.

OReilly, J., & Williams, M. (1997). Accent on achievement. Van Nuys, CA: Alfred.

Music Prodigy, Inc.(2019) Music Prodigy (version 2.5.5) [Mobile Application Software]

Retrieved from https://apps.apple.com/us/app/music-prodigy/id904833377

Pearson, B. (1993). Standard of excellence. Book 1. Bb trumpet/cornet comprehensive band

method. San Diego, CA: Neil A. Kjos Music Co.

Pearson, B., Nowlin, R., & Johnson, D. D. (2010). Tradition of excellence: comprehensive band

method. San Diego, CA: Neil A. Kjos Music Co.